Washington state’s gray wolf population may no longer be considered endangered.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is preparing to hold a vote that could remove wolves from the state’s endangered species list.
“The status of species listed as endangered, vulnerable or sensitive is subject to review every five years through what is known as a Periodic Status Review (PSR) process, in which WDFW staff evaluates available species information and makes a recommendation as to whether a species’ status merits its current listing or whether reclassification is recommended,” WDFW public affairs manager Stacey Lehman told Fox News Digital in an email.
Rare gray wolf dies during hunt in Michigan, authorities investigate
Based on the species’ current status, the population could be reclassified as a sensitive species and removed from the state’s endangered species list.
Wolf populations may no longer be endangered in Washington state after the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife voted to change the animals’ classification. (WDFW)
According to a WDFW press release, the reclassification was based on more than a decade of data trends based on a population model developed at the University of Washington.
WDFW went on to say that an animal is considered a “state threatened or endangered species” if it is “severely in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range within the state.”
Sensitive species are defined as those that are “vulnerable or in decline and, absent concerted management and removal of threats, are likely to become endangered or threatened throughout a significant portion of their range in the state.”
Ohio representatives make waves by naming official state fish
Lehman noted that the state department extended the public comment period on the proposed wolf reclassification until early May and will hold a committee meeting today to propose a decision on the reclassification.
Washington’s wolf population is up 20 percent from last year, with data showing there are 260 wolves in 42 packs statewide. (WDFW)
While the wolf population will be reclassified, WDFW will continue to manage wolves with a focus on “reducing wolf-livestock conflicts, actively deterring nonlethal conflicts, achieving statewide recovery goals and supporting the expansion of wolves into all suitable habitat across the state,” the press release continues.
For the past 14 years, Washington state’s wolf population has continued to grow every year, with a 20% increase from 2023 to 2024.
Last year, there were 260 wolves reported in 42 packs across Washington, according to data collected by WDFW.
For more lifestyle stories, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
Washington state’s wolf population was “virtually extinct” in the 1930s, but has begun to recover significantly since 2008.
The WDFW Commission is expected to vote to remove the gray wolf population from the state’s endangered species list and add it to the state critical list. (WDFW, iStock)
In April, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list, according to the Associated Press.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
This marks the first time that wolves will no longer be classified as endangered in Washington state since they first received state protection in 1980, according to WDFW.
“Wolves were first listed as endangered by the Washington State Game and Game Department in 1980 after their historic range in the state was subsequently eradicated,” WDFW said.
Click here to get the FOX News app
